JAKARTA, 7 September 2023 Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo handed over the next ASEAN Chairmanship mandate to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the conclusion of the 43rd ASEAN Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, on Thursday, 7 September 2023.
The symbolic handover took place by the handling of gavel from President Jokowi to Lao Prime Minister Siphandone at around 5 p.m. local time. The gavel was handed over as a sign that Lao PDR officially assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2024.
President Jokowi expressed appreciation to all leaders of ASEAN and ASEAN partner countries who attended the 43rd ASEAN Summit.
During the event, President Jokowi witnessed the optimism among all attendees, which fueled hope and enthusiasm to keep working toward the creation of an ASEAN region that is peaceful, just, and prosperous.
"It is time to pass on the chairmanship to Lao PDR. Let us continue to strengthen collaboration and cooperation for a prosperous ASEAN and make the world a better place for everyone," said President Jokowi.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic is a country in Southeast Asia that is bordered by Myanmar and the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Viet Nam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west.
Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone pledged to continue Indonesia's legacy in building a more connected and resilient ASEAN.
"Lao PDR is honored to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. We will strive to achieve a more connected and resilient ASEAN," he said.
Lao PDR's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024 will be centered around the theme "Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."
On this occasion, Lao Prime Minister congratulated President Jokowi and the people of Indonesia for the successful organization of the 43rd ASEAN Summit throughout 2023.
"We highly commend the achievements made by ASEAN under the leadership of Indonesia, with the theme 'ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth,'" said Siphandone.
Lao PDR is expected to continue Indonesia's successful chairmanship in 2024 through a variety of collective efforts.
"We will continue our collective efforts, including a stronger focus on the ASEAN community, seizing opportunities amid geopolitical and geo-economic challenges and changes," said Lao PM.
Siphandone mentioned that Lao PDR will expand ASEAN's external relations and strengthen ASEAN's centrality and unity, and construct regional architecture for stability, peace, and development in the ASEAN region.
"We will also enhance connectivity, narrow development gaps among ASEAN member states, promote carbon neutrality, and drive digital transformation in the region," he added.
PM Siphandone also stated that Lao PDR is ready to collaborate with other ASEAN members and ASEAN partners to ensure the success of Laos PDR's Chairmanship. "We look forward to warmly welcoming all of you to Laos," he said."
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Get more information at http://asean2023.id, https://infopublik.id/kategori/asean-2023, and https://indonesia.go.id/kategori/ragam-asean-2023
Photo caption: President Joko Widodo (left) hands over the gavel to Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone after his closing speech of the 43rd ASEAN Summit 2023 in Jakarta, Thursday (7 September 2023). ASEAN Summit 2023 Media Center/Zabur Karuru/foc.